******************************************************
The Customs and Excise Department conducted an anti-smuggling operation on Lantau Island yesterday (July 8) and smashed a sea smuggling case. In the operation, a total of 131 kilograms of suspected agilawood, 220kg of suspected unworked raw crystal, 9kg of birds' nest and 8,500 used mobile phones and parts were seized. The total value of the seizure was about $740,000.
At about 8.30pm yesterday, Customs officers of the Marine Enforcement Group conducted an anti-smuggling operation on Lantau Island. When the officers arrived at the seashore of Sea Point Road near Sze Pak Wan, they found nine men moving goods from a lorry onto a high-powered speedboat. The officers took immediate action but the suspects quickly jumped onto the speedboat and fled.
Customs officers then seized the 60 cartons of goods and the lorry at the scene for investigation. No arrest has been made in the operation at the moment. The investigation is continuing.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, smuggling is a serious offence. Any person found guilty of exporting unmanifested cargoes is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
A Customs spokesperson said today (July 9) that Customs will take continuous action against smuggling activities and urged members of the public to report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs through the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:32
NNNN
